Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed the App Store Accountability Act which requires Apple and Google to verify the age of users of their app stores. The law, effective on January 1, 2026, requires parental consent to download apps or make in-app purchases for users aged below 18. Utah was the first U.S. state to pass a similar law earlier this year, and U.S. lawmakers have also introduced a federal bill according to Reuters.
Both Apple and Google have been aganist the new law citing privacy concerns. It was reported by the Wall Street Journal last week, that Apple’s CEO Tim Cook had called Governor Abbott to express concerns, changes, and lobbying the bill to be vetoed.
“If enacted, app marketplaces will be required to collect and keep sensitive personal identifying information for every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it’s an app that simply provides weather updates or sports scores,” said Apple in a statement earlier this year.
What are your thoughts on age verification for App Stores? Comment down below!
It’s ridiculous government overreach. Adults should not be required to present a drivers license to use the App Store . Parents should simply not allow their kids to have a smart phone .